I love books--- paranormal, urban fantasy, romance of any kind, historical fiction, YA, and many others. Political or self help are about the only kind I don't pick up.

BOOKS AND BLOGGING PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is defined as a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought. Well, my theory is if I can add at least 10 new books to my Wishlist and move at least 5 older Wishlist selections to my TBR list every month, then life is a ice cream sundae. And if I can find those 10 books from at least 5 new blogs each month then that's the cherry on top.

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

Well, I've made it almost 5 years now, so for better or worse, I continue on. I tend to blog in spurts as the urge to be creative erupts. As I don't have an artistic bone in my body, you will see very few changes in the layouts. Hey, I'm a reader not an artist like so many of the awesome bloggers I follow. I know you don't always have the time but if you stopped and looked, take a half a minute and say your piece. Recommend a book that you have enjoyed or hated for that matter. Thank you to all who visit.

Oh, and I moved my Google Friend Connect info and share this buttons to the top, as without our friends, who are we?

Family is supposed to be there to help you when you’re in need. Love you when you are feeling down. To show support. Yours might… mine shatters me.

My stepfather thinks he has a right to take our freedom, and our power from us. They all do.

I’m the rebel. I grew up knowing this was wrong. I will not live my life in fear any more. The pain has to stop. He has to be stopped. I am but one girl on a mission to get out of this place and be free.

Only problem is… I may not be strong enough to defeat him. When I come across something that could possibly end his reign, I'll use it. I would pay to see his world come crashing down around him....

When I turned out of the parking lot a breeze floated in carrying the scent of smoke with it. I wrinkled my nose and glanced around - seeing a dark cloud from behind me I whipped the car around, hit the button on my mic and called into dispatch.

“37041, 10-70 seems to be coming from the gas station or the motel, please advise. Over”

“10-69, 37041, no calls at this time. Copy?” Drew replied.

“10-4,” I said as I gunned the engine. I took the next corner and as soon as I was in sight of the gas station my heart stopped. It was up in flames. Not just little tiny flames. It was engulfed. I slammed on my brakes and jumped out the car, popping the trunk and grabbing my gear. I shoved my feet in the boots, yanked up my pants and flipped the suspenders around my shoulders before I hit the mic again.

“Dispatch, 37041, 10-78, the station is up in flames.”

I yanked my jacket on, securing it quickly before I pulled the hood on as a message came from dispatch, “37041, do not proceed until backup arrives. We’ve signaled the fire brigade. ETA three minutes. More back up in route as well.”

“10-74, there is one person for sure in there. I won’t let her die in there!”

“Jackson, they’ll be there in three minutes, don’t be a hero!” I heard Drew’s snarl come across the radio and I scoffed.

Three minutes in that inferno and the whole place would come crashing down. No way was I waiting. I knew it was against protocol, but fuck protocol. Kristol was in there. How did I know that? Easy, she wasn’t outside already. I’d been here not two hours ago and she’d been working alone as usual.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I had no idea where she would be in there, that was the tricky part. I’d just have to do a grid pattern as best as I could. About the time I slid my helmet on the front window of the place blew. I ducked, but as soon as it was clear I took off running as fast as I could. I could barely see inside. The roar of the fire was deafening. I busted out the rest of the front window and made my way inside, calling out to Kristol. Thankfully it didn’t take but a few long strides before I found her.

“Jesus,” I heard her croke and the dog yap. I got her over my shoulder only to have her let out a heart stopping scream.

Shit.

“I’m sorry, baby, hold on. I got ya,” I had no time to second guess myself.

I was praying as I scooped the dog up that we made it out of here in one piece. Now, I had to worry about my actions hurting her more. The roof was caving in before I could get us out the door. There was a sharp pain that ran through me, Kristol let out a pained shriek and the dog yelped. Fucking fantastic. I made it out the door, only to collapse myself. I couldn’t breathe and somewhere in that mess I lost my fucking helmet. I cursed as I saw the others pull up. I covered her body and the dog as another piece of the building collapsed.

Within seconds there were hands grabbing at me and I was pulled off of her. It took me a few minutes to get my bearings as I was shoved down on the back of the fire truck.

“You idiot, I told you not to be a fucking hero. Asshole,” Drew mumbled on as he shoved an oxygen mask over my face. I gave him the middle finger and took in a deep breath. I heard Kristol’s dog yelp and I stood up, tossing the mask off as I moved around the truck. My shoulder was on fire but I didn’t care. I had to get to her.

“Someone get the fucking dog out of the way,” one of the new EMT’s yelled.

“Hold up, the dog stays with her,” I coughed out a breath and cursed myself for not grabbing the full mask before I went into that station. “He’s her emotional support dog. He’s in training.” Yeah, I was winging it, but I knew what he did for her. I didn’t give two fucks what they thought.

“Jackson Landry, get your ass back over here,” I again ignored my brother as I jogged to the ambulance and lifted Thor up into my arms. I hissed in pain and took a deep breath as I swayed slightly. “Man, you’re hurt,” I heard the concern in Drew’s voice.

“I’m going with her. I’ll get checked out after she does,” I said climbing up into the back of the ambulance. Thankfully Lufkin was only eighteen minutes away, ten or so the way these fellas drove. I held Thor, looking him over, wincing as he whined.

“I‘m sorry buddy, we’ll get you all patched up too. I promise,” I said soothing him and myself. It was a small cut, he’d be okay, it was Kristol I was worried about.

I’m a Carolina Girl by right and a Texan by birth. Best of both worlds. I have the brass sass to keep up with my Texas sized temper. Living and working in both states I’ve learned a lot about hard work, adapting to your surroundings and making the best of the path that you have been led down. My grandma Dollie once told me I would know what I was meant to do when it happened. She was right, as always.

As with most book lovers, I am an avid reader. Reading has always been a hobby - a passion, really and a way to get lost in other people’s lives, their drama and other worlds. It’s a private movie in your imagination that you get to cast and navigate through, at your own pace. Reading helps to expand the perimeters of one's mind. That is what got me into writing. Writing has been something that I have done since I was a kid. If I had paper, I was writing. Nine out of ten times it made no sense but what are words if they are not to be used to your advantage? Words are a part of us all. Why not use them, right?

During the day I work as a ‘desk jockey’ and help the residents of my county navigate themselves around our little, but not too little country town. By night I am either blogging with my best friends, doing PA work for some of my favorite authors or fighting with the voices in my head. They can be stubborn at times. It’s a blessing and I am cherishing every moment. Tomorrow is never guaranteed so I want to make sure I live the day as fully as possible. For what is my creation, can become someone else's treasure.

Books à la Mode!

Bad Bird Reviews

Under The Covers

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS ON MY BLOG

GoodReads Bookshelf

I do so love a good mystery wrapped up in a historical romance. That the heroine is spunky and funny and the hero a sexy rake also amps up the reading fun. This is a fast paced read and as always Jordan doesn't fail to leave you with a s...

All I can say is holy freaking WOW! I got the wonderful opportunity to read the first 11 chapters of this fabulous first book in what is going to be a fabulous new series. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Net Galley! Awesome! simply aweso...

I know it's only February, but I may have just read what could become my favorite book of 2016. It has been so long since I've read a book that captivated me as much as this juicy post-apocalyptic romance. This book has it all- adventure...

I've not read the first book in this series and it's really not essential to the storyline in this one, but I just have to go back and read it so I have a fuller picture of these assassins. Christopher Argent was born and raised in Newga...

As a lover of thrillers, this book drew me in from the beginning. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was I found it so improbable that someone could have lived off the grid for ten years in this day and time. The main character ...

First of all (and I'm not usually one that drools over a book cover, butttt) this cover model reminds me so much of two of my fav
Western actors, James Garner as Maverick, but with Robert Mitchum's cleft chin (with what "we" now apparent...

I really wanted to love this book. I love historicals, cowboys and the whole idea of mail-order brides but felt that this story was a bit lacking in details. I wanted more history and more of the bride train. I think it would have benefi...

I enjoyed this romance. While the romance didn't blow me away, the story in it's entirety was quite enjoyable. I think I've gotten a bit tired of the billionaire/prince storylines, though the precious baby angle will always drag me in. W...

These stories had two things that ordinarily mark a story as a sure winner for me-babies and a second chance at romance. Throw in suspense and bam! I'm loving it. But for some reason neither clicked for me. Possibly because both stories ...

Miller never fails to leave me satisfied after reading one of her western romances and always has me checking to see when the next book in a series is being released. As always, I'm never disappointed in the characters or the storyline. ...

I love a story where the secondary characters are as likeable as the main characters. This was an awesome followup to book 1, taking up right where "Playing Dirty" left off. This is a hot, sexy, fun read and I can't wait for "Coming Clea...

I've read twisty murder thrillers before but nothing, nothing on the scale of "No One Knows". Just as soon as you feel comfortable that you've got a hold on the truth and what's really going on, the rug gets ripped out from under you and...

I've been thinking about reading this series
for awhile so when I got a chance to read this
collection of novellas from the series, I jumped
at it as I thought it would be a good chance to get
a quick feel for the series. I'm always ...

I haven't read the first book in the series
but having read Fox's Biker Witches Mystery
series, I knew I'd enjoy this one too. As always
her characters have you laughing out loud. Verity's
pet skunk is adorable and side-kick ghost, F...

This book had all the things I love in a small
town romance, a sometimes feisty character
who could make me laugh, a little suspense
and mystery, and a hunky guy.
Benevolence, Wash so reminded me of my small
southern town, that I in...

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LEGAL STUFF

In accordance with new FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review on Lisa's Loves Books of Course are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book. I do not receive money for such reviews. These books are sent to me for an honest review. If you have any questions, please contact me.